The Daily: JD's XS650

JD Sansaver's latest Japanese bike shows just how great venerable old Yamaha XS650's can be in the hands of a capable craftsman. Virtually every modification on this machine was done by its owner, and you'd probably never guess that its paint job was JD's first attempt. Other superb details include the super-narrowed stock trees, 40-degree rake, rigid rear and a dirt bike front hub laced to a 21-inch hoop.

Closer inspection of the Yamaha logo on the left side cover makes it obvious that the letters are filled in and the cover is smooth to the touch. How does he do it? Crafty old JD bought some of that rod that the carnies at the swap meets demonstrate by filling holes in beer cans. He used the circus putty to fill in all the letters, then polished it out to a smooth finish. Neat shit, any way you slice it.

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Does this guy have an eye or what?! I love hearing about someone that knows what they want and is willing to experiment to get the result! That’s talent! The bike is different and perfect in many ways.

this is the second xs ive seen where the pegs are flip floped to the other side. i whis i had thought of that. it looks so stock. like it was meant to be there. awesome bike. i might have to narrow mine hahaha